Curbs Prompt Chinese to List Homes

Critics Say New Push to Cool House Prices Could Instead Trigger Increases; Crowds Line Up to Sell

By

Esther Fung

March 5, 2013 8:02 a.m. ET

SHANGHAI—China's latest effort to cool surging home prices is coming under criticism even as it sparks a rush among some potential home sellers.

The plan announced Friday calls for enforcing a 20% tax on profits from home sales as part of efforts to quell speculation driving up prices, among other measures. But some government advisers said Tuesday it might not push down prices in the near term and could even trigger increases.